Latest news with #VermontDepartmentofHealth
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Almost 30 beaches in Vermont are under bacteria advisories this weekend. Here's where
Planning to soak up the sun at a Vermont beach this weekend? You'll want to avoid areas with unsafe swimming water. According to the Vermont Department of Health, cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae that grows in freshwater, can release toxins into the water that create unsafe swimming conditions. Health effects from coming in contact with cyanobacteria include rashes, abdominal pain, vomiting, liver damage and dizziness. Heading into this weekend, 29 swimming spots in Vermont are under advisories for high cyanobacteria levels. Here's the full list. What swimming spots in VT are currently under bacteria advisories? The following beaches and other swimming spots in Vermont are under bacteria advisories as of Friday, July 18: Alburgh: West Alburgh 129 & Summit Road (High Alert) Burlington: Burlington Marina (Low Alert) Burlington Community Boathouse Marina (Low Alert) Dog Park Steps (Low Alert) Lakeside Beach (Low Alert) Perkins Pier (Low Alert) Red Rocks Beach (Low Alert) Rock Point - Eagle Bay (Low Alert) Rubenstein Lab - waterfront (High Alert) Burton Island: South Shore (Low Alert) Charlotte: Converse Bay (High Alert) Ferrisburgh: Button Bay Boat Launch (High Alert) Button Bay South (High Alert) Highgate Springs: Gander Bay (Low Alert) Isle la Motte: Saint Anne's Shrine (High Alert) West Shore (High Alert) West Shore Road (High Alert) North Hero: Stephenson Point Fish and Wildlife Access (High Alert) Panton: Arnold Bay Point (High Alert) Shelburne: Pine Haven Shores (High Alert) Shelburne Bay - West Shore (Low Alert) Shelburne Pond - Shoreline Trail (High Alert) South Burlington: Holmes Road - Northeast Shelburne Bay (High Alert) South Hero: Apricot Point (Low Alert) Harrington Lane on Lake Champlain (High Alert) Keeler Bay (High Alert) West Shore Road on Lake Champlain (High Alert) St. Albans: Black Bridge (High Alert) St. Albans Bay Park (Low Alert) VT beaches: These two 'secret beaches' are the best in VT, survey says. Here's where to find them When will beaches in Vermont reopen? Beaches can only become safe for swimming when their bacteria levels are back within the safe range, so there is no set amount of time for a closure. Bloom conditions can change rapidly, so it is best to check for discolored water before heading in. Updated conditions can be checked on the Vermont Department of Health's Cyanobacteria Tracker. This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Which VT beaches are currently unsafe for swimming? Here's a list Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Vermont Senate backs expanded ban on ‘forever chemicals'
Montpelier, VT – The Vermont Senate is set to advance a House bill that would phase out and eventually ban ban toxic perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, in more consumer products, including dental floss and cleaning products. The Senate expanded the bill, H.238, by adding a ban on PFAS in firefighting gear beginning in 2029. PFAS are a group of some 15,000 chemicals that have been around for decades and have now spread into the nation's air, water and soil. PFAS accumulates in the body, and health experts say low doses of the chemicals can build up in the body over time, so even small amounts are a problem. According to the Vermont Department of Health, exposure to PFAS can lead to reproductive and developmental disorders, certain types of cancer and other serious health problems. A year ago, Vermont lawmakers approved a ban on PFAS in a slew of consumer products, including cribs, cosmetics, cookware and products aimed at children under 12, including electronic games. That law will take effect in July 2026. 'Reducing and eliminating PFAS in consumer goods and the environment protects personal and public health,' said Senator Virginia Lyons, chair of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee. 'Removing PFAS from products including dental floss, cleaning products, firefighting equipment, and textiles limits exposures that could lead to cancer, lower antibody response to vaccines, or negative child development outcomes.' Last week, the Environmental Protection Agency announced plans to weaken limits on some 'forever chemicals' in drinking water that were finalized last year, while maintaining standards for two common ones. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Opioid overdose deaths in Vermont dropped significantly last year
A report released Friday by the Vermont Department of Health says the number of deaths caused by opioids in the state dropped 22% in 2024, the second consecutive year of a decline in overdose deaths. According to the state's Annual Fatal Overdose Report, 183 Vermonters died from an opioid-related overdose in 2024, down from 236 people in 2023. Health officials say the decline in overdose deaths last year was the most since 2019, when 115 people died, down from 131. And it reflects a nationwide trend of decreasing overdose deaths. A report issued by the CDC this week found overdose deaths in the U.S. dropped 27% last year. Health Department Deputy Commissioner Kelly Dougherty, who oversees Vermont's substance use programs, said years of state investment in treatment, recovery and prevention is paying off. That includes more widespread use of naloxone. Last year, the department says it distributed 70,000 doses of naloxone to first responders and other community partners 'At the same time,' she said, 'people are still dying due to opioid overdose, and we must not forget the lasting impact these losses have on families and communities. While we embrace progress, we must continue strengthening our partnerships and systems of care to respond to new challenges.' While fentanyl is still involved in most opioid deaths Vermont — 170, or 93% of fatalities, in 2024 — fatal overdoses involving the drug have declined for two years running. At the same time, fatal overdoses involving heroin have been falling. Meanwhile, cocaine and Xylazine were involved in significantly more fatal overdoses last year. Xylazine was found in 42% of overdose deaths last year, up 10% from 2023. Deadly overdoses involving cocaine have been rising since 2015. Two years ago, 6 in 10 overdose deaths involved cocaine, or about 60% of the total. Last year, total deaths fell, but the percentage of deaths involving cocaine rose to 7 in 10. Health officials emphasis that the 2024 statistics are still preliminary — 13 deaths remain unresolved, and the final tally could be 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sophie Nyweide, former child actor who died at 24, was pregnant at time of death
Former child actor Sophie Nyweide was pregnant when she died on April 14, according to her death certificate. She was 24. Nyweide was known for the 2009 romance drama "Mammoth," where she starred alongside Gael García Bernal and Michelle Williams. Her most recent acting credit was for "Noah" in 2014, which featured Russell Crowe and Emma Watson. Her place of death was listed as a wooded area in Bennington, Vermont, 25 miles south of her residence in Manchester Center, Vermont. Nyweide's cause of death is still under investigation, according to the death certificate issued by the Vermont Department of Health. "She self medicated to deal with all the trauma and shame she held inside, and it resulted in her death," according to an April 17 online obituary, which has since been removed. "She repeatedly said she would 'handle it' on her own and was compelled to reject the treatment that might possibly have saved her life." The obituary said Nyweide kept journals and drawings that served as a testament to her artistry, but also revealed the "roadmaps" of her pain. "Even with those roadmaps, diagnoses and her own revelations, those closest to her, plus therapists, law enforcement officers and others who tried to help her are heartbroken their efforts couldn't save her from her fate," the obituary stated. Born in Burlington, Vermont, in 2000, Nyweide split her time living in her home state and New York City. She was a competitive snowboarder by the age of 5 and later took an interest in acting. "She seemed happiest on a movie set, becoming someone else. It was a safe place for her ... the casts and crews who nourished her talent and her well being," the obituary said. Nyweide was also said to be an enthusiastic traveler and enjoyed learning other languages and customs, according to the obituary. She was a daughter, sister, new aunt, granddaughter and friend to others. In lieu of flowers, the obituary asked for donations to be made in her name to RAINN, the largest non-profit anti-sexual assault organization in the country. "Sophie. A life ended too soon," the obituary read. "May it not be in vain. May we all learn from her brief life on earth and do better. Yes, we must all protect our children and do better." This article was originally published on
NBC News
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- NBC News
Sophie Nyweide, former child actor who died at 24, was pregnant at time of death
Former child actor Sophie Nyweide was pregnant when she died on April 14, according to her death certificate. She was 24. Nyweide was known for the 2009 romance drama "Mammoth," where she starred alongside Gael García Bernal and Michelle Williams. Her most recent acting credit was for "Noah" in 2014, which featured Russell Crowe and Emma Watson. Her place of death was listed as a wooded area in Bennington, Vermont, 25 miles south of her residence in Manchester Center, Vermont. Nyweide's cause of death is still under investigation, according to the death certificate issued by the Vermont Department of Health. "She self medicated to deal with all the trauma and shame she held inside, and it resulted in her death," according to an April 17 online obituary, which has since been removed. "She repeatedly said she would 'handle it' on her own and was compelled to reject the treatment that might possibly have saved her life." The obituary said Nyweide kept journals and drawings that served as a testament to her artistry, but also revealed the "roadmaps" of her pain. "Even with those roadmaps, diagnoses and her own revelations, those closest to her, plus therapists, law enforcement officers and others who tried to help her are heartbroken their efforts couldn't save her from her fate," the obituary stated. Born in Burlington, Vermont, in 2000, Nyweide split her time living in her home state and New York City. She was a competitive snowboarder by the age of 5 and later took an interest in acting. "She seemed happiest on a movie set, becoming someone else. It was a safe place for her ... the casts and crews who nourished her talent and her well being," the obituary said. Nyweide was also said to be an enthusiastic traveler and enjoyed learning other languages and customs, according to the obituary. She was a daughter, sister, new aunt, granddaughter and friend to others. In lieu of flowers, the obituary asked for donations to be made in her name to RAINN, the largest non-profit anti-sexual assault organization in the country. "Sophie. A life ended too soon," the obituary read. "May it not be in vain. May we all learn from her brief life on earth and do better. Yes, we must all protect our children and do better."
